RWAF Big is Better Campaign: Argos Hutch Sizes

Copied from an email doing the rounds amongst the membership:



We have received a large amount of contact from members concerned about the size of rabbit hutches for sale in Argos. We know that a number have complained to Argos and have been disappointed with the response they received. The RWAF have lodged a complaint, and referred to trading standards, indicating that the hutches available are not fit for purpose. We know that Argos are not the only retailer who stock hutches far below our minimum recommendation, and we will be trying to tackle those as part of our Big is Better for Busy Bunnies project. Argos did agree to improve their hutches in response to pressure from the RWAF and their members some months back, but they appear to have slipped back into old ways.

We have had requests for a letter template for use by anybody wishing to lodge their own complaint to the retailer. We urge anybody who shares the concerns to contact Argos personally, as retailers do take notice, especially if they receive a large number of complaints.

Please use the text below as a guideline only, please copy the text from this document and put your concerns in your own words as duplicate letters are taken less seriously.

email to: customer.relations@argos.co.uk

When you receive an acknowledgement please email us the reference number at rae.rwaf@googlemail.com so we can keep a tally of the number of complaints submitted.


Dear Argos,

I am writing to express my concerns about a number of products for rabbits on sale at Argos.

The RSCPA and RWAF recommend a minimum size of 6ft x 2ft x 2 ft, and in addition an opportunity to exercise in a run or enclosed garden. None of your hutches comes close to the minimum standard.

The majority of your hutches are shockingly small, and I find it extremely disturbing that you would stock products that have a direct impact on animal welfare without doing some serious research on the needs of rabbits, particularly considering the Animal Welfare Act of 2007. Any rabbit kept in the majority of your hutches would suffer physically and would be likely to develop behavioural problems.

Rabbits suffer from casual neglect all the time, with many spending their entire lives alone in a small hutch, as sold by you. I would ask that you take your responsibilities as a major retailer seriously and only sell products that are not detrimental to animal welfare.

I will not be buying anything from Argos until you have taken action and updated your hutch range.

As one of their card holders I may well use that as a basis of my letter ans make it a tad stronger, will let you know the outcome

Good to see the RWA taking a stance on this, it's great. Will send e-mail

Sending email.

sending

I'm sending one too!

Will send one too